Arsene Wenger: Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must believe more in himself at Arsenal

Arsene Wenger has urged Arsenal winger Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain to start believing more in himself and begin playing with greater freedom this season.

Oxlade-Chamberlain kick-started the 2015/16 campaign in style after scoring the winning goal in the Gunners' Community Shield win over Chelsea in August, but has failed to make an impact in his next three starts for the north Londoners.

Arsenal travel to face fierce rivals Tottenham in the Capital One Cup third round tie at White Hart Lane on Wednesday evening and, ahead of the game, Wenger has called on Oxlade-Chamberlain to step up and realise his true potential.

"It is a massive season for Alex," Wenger told Arsenal Player. "He is at the age now where he is getting picked regularly for the national team. He is picked by me as well for the team.

"It is a very important season because of the nature he is growing. You feel the evolution has a sense of responsibility. I think Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain must believe more in himself.

Five classic cup encounters between Tottenham and Arsenal

Five classic cup encounters between Tottenham and Arsenal

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Tottenham 1 Arsenal 2 - 1987 League Cup Semi-Final Replay

For anyone that doubts the importance and excitement of replays in English cup competitions look back over these three thrilling ties. The prolific Clive Allen gave Spurs a 1-0 win at Highbury, and then made it 2-0 at the Lane before Viv Anderson and Niall Quinn dragged Arsenal back into the tie. Spurs took home advantage for the replay on a coin toss and seemed to have made it count through that man Allen again. Ian Allinson tied it up before fan hero David Rocastle decided the tie after 270 minutes. Manager David Pleat described the trio as “a stab in the heart”, he would leave Spurs six months later in October.

2/5
Tottenham 3 Arsenal 1 - 1991 FA Cup Semi Final

Within minutes of this semi-final beginning it had already earned its place in cup history thanks to Paul Gascoigne’s spectacular free kick. From near 30 yards out the England international hit an unstoppable strike that David Seaman could only palm into the roof of the net. It didn’t get much better for Arsenal from then on, with Gary Lineker picking up the other two goals in an emphatic 3-1 victory. Tottenham would go on to lift the cup a month later but at some cost, with Gascoigne picking up a knee injury that would make the final his last Spurs match.

3/5
Arsenal 2 Tottenham 1 - 2001 FA Cup Semi Final

Mere months before Sol Campbell was to defect across North London Arsene Wenger’s French stars showed the England defender who were the bosses in the capital. However it didn’t look so rosy after 14 minutes, when a Gary Doherty header gave Spurs a lead against the run of play. Arsenal were relentless in their pursuit of parity, with Patrick Vieira heading his side level as Campbell received treatment off the field. In spite of an obdurate display from goalkeeper Neil Sullivan the tide could not be stemmed and Robert Pires tapped in a winner 16 minutes from time.

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Tottenham 5 Arsenal 1 - 2008 League Cup Semi Final Second Leg

After a 1-1 draw at the Emirates Spurs were well placed to make the League Cup final, in spite of a late equaliser by the hosts. However Aaron Lennon, Jermaine Jenas and Robbie Keane eviscerated an Arsenal side, picking up a first win over Wenger in nine years with some style. Within an hour the visitors were 4-0 down and desperate to leave – Nicklas Bendtner and William Gallas rowed on the pitch as the game drew to an end. Juande Ramos would celebrate a Carling Cup victory for Spurs that season, but he would soon be replaced by Harry Redknapp after his side’s league form flatlined following their Wembley triumph.

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Tottenham 1 Arsenal 4 (AET) - 2010 League Cup Third Round

As is the case this season Arsenal’s road to Wembley began at White Hart Lane. But before their supporters get too excited it should be remembered that they blew a first trophy in six years against Birmingham. Young guns such as Jack Wilshere and Henri Lansbury were crucial in firing Arsenal to a 4-1 extra time win over Harry Redknapp’s side, with Samir Nasri grabbing two from the spot.

"He must believe more in his talent and that will help him develop as a player. I think sometimes he is too critical of himself. I would like him to play with the freedom and express the desire of his talent."

Oxlade-Chamberlain has started three games since the Community Shield victory against Chelsea, but has struggled to cement his spot in Wenger's starting XI.